How to Register a Company in UAE Mainland

Set up a company in Dubai mainland and acquire the ideal business license to penetrate the UAE market. The registration involves several steps, such as selecting an activity, receiving initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED), registering a trading name, renting office space, receiving approvals from relevant authorities, and ultimately receiving a business license.

Moreover, businesses operating within the UAE mainland must also satisfy legal requirements, such as registering for corporate tax and VAT and acquiring necessary permits, before beginning operations there. Once this process has been completed, businesses can commence operations immediately. Aside from the UAE mainland, entrepreneurs can establish a company in UAE free zones. However, if you are set to open a business in mainland Dubai, here is everything you need to know about the process.

The Procedure of Business Setup in Dubai Mainland

Even though company formation in the UAE Mainland can seem complex and time-consuming, with help from an experienced business setup service provider, it can become much more straightforward and streamlined.

1. Know License Types
Mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) to conduct business in the UAE. You may set up this company formation in Dubai mainland in UAE.

2. Single Enterprise
The owner runs this business as a commercial, industrial, agricultural, or real estate enterprise. The owner is responsible for a business’s financial commitments.

3. Civil Firm
We finalize your civil corporation or business setup. Expert advice, local service agent selection, office space selection, business plan organization, and paperwork and documentation restrictions are our services.

4. Limited Liability Companies
Most UAE businesses are of this kind. This company formation in the Dubai mainland establishment needs a UAE-based sponsor. Industrial and commercial licensed firms need a local sponsor and at least 51% of the shares. Expats may only control 49%.

5. Representative/Branch Office
This Dubai mainland company formation type in the UAE offers a complete branch and representative office setup.

The basics on branches and representative offices:

• A branch office authorizes the marketing of parent company items
• It handles customer transactions and services
• Representative offices boost parent company business

6. Joint venture
This Dubai mainland company formation aids joint venture formation. We work with potential partners, define strategy, structure your company plan, and handle paperwork and documentation.

7. Public-private shareholding company
This kind of mainland company formation in Dubai, UAE, sharesholding businesses from start to finish. We provide guidance on business structure, local partners, unique office sites, etc.

8. Select an Appropriate Legal Structure
Your business structure depends heavily upon its requirements and the rules and regulations that must be observed.

Here are the legal forms:

• Public joint stock companies (PJSC)
• General partnerships (GP)
• Civil companies (CC) 
• Private joint stock companies (PrJSCs) 
• Limited liability company (LLC) status
• PrJSCs 
• PlJSC
• GCC Company Branch

9. Register Your Trade Name
Your Trade Name represents your company name, which must be distinguishable from any other registered companies in terms of appearance and pronunciation. A trade name application can be submitted through your chosen emirate’s Department of Economic Development via their website, mobile app, or in person. While many aspects of modern living will likely require improvement, some are indispensable components of contemporary life.

10. Apply for Initial Approval
This Approval from the UAE government for company formation in Dubai mainland signifies no objection to a business setup within their borders, enabling investors to continue with company formation steps and licensing activities without interference from authorities; however, it does not grant permission to run business operations or performing activities related to said businesses.

11. File Memoranda of Association or LSA Business Forms
A Memorandum of Association (MOA) is necessary when your company’s legal form is Civil, LLC, public shareholding company, or private shareholding company; on the other hand, a Local Service Agent (LSA) will suffice when operating as a sole proprietorship. Unfortunately, not everyone should. Here at NH Management, we specialize in offering our customers peace of mind when it comes to purchasing and installing products ranging from stationary to a full range of home office furniture and more.

12. Select Your Location
All businesses operating in the UAE require physical addresses to conduct their operations. They must comply with their chosen emirate’s Department of Economic Development requirements and the local municipalities or authorities’ zoning rules and regulations. Tenancy agreements for office or warehouse spaces should be registered via the Dubai Land Department’s Ejari portal.

13. Filing for Additional Government Approvals
In some instances, additional approvals from government bodies overseeing business activities may be required for certain activities.

Here are the key economic activities requiring additional approvals:

• Ministry of Justice
• Local Municipal Department
• Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TRDA)
• Executive Council
• Ministry of Economy
• Local Health departments
  Petroleum Council

14. Document Submission

• Initial Approval Receipt and Copies of Previous Documents, As Required by Government Authorities for Establishing a Mainland Business. 
• Documents Needed for Setting up a Mainland Business (such as Lease Contract Copy or Attested MOA copy, Duly Attested). 
• Additional Government Approvals as Required). Additional documents are required for establishment.

Documents Required for Business Formation in Mainland UAE

To acquire an initial approval of registration and licensing applications and proof of reserved trade name registrations, an initial approval application and proof thereof should include: 

• A copy of the applicant’s passport along with residence visa details for non-GCC nationals
• ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) from non-GCC nationals’ current sponsors will also be considered
• Copy of Director’s Passport
• No Objection Letter from the Current Sponsor of the Director 
• Court Permission for Business to Conduct For applicants under 21 years
• Court Permission is also necessary to conduct business
• Approval from government authorities, depending on the activity type, is needed.

Documents After Receiving Initial Approval

• Acknowledging receipt of initial approval-all the documents submitted for initial Approval
• Copy of office lease, including plot number.
• NH Management also offers highly reliable attestation services in the UAE to get your documents certified by all necessary authorities and help launch your business more smoothly in the UAE mainland.

Tip for an Easy Registration Process (Registration Process Tips)

Seek Professional Assistance: Seek professional assistance for company formation in Dubai mainland by engaging a local business setup consultant or law firm to guide you through this process.
Planning Your Budget: Registration costs depend on business activity, location, and company structure. When creating your budget, incorporate license fees, office rent, and potential legal costs.
Understand Emirate-Specific Requirements: While the general registration process is similar across the UAE, each emirate may have specific requirements or procedures.

Registration can take several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of your business and the required approvals. Once registered, ensure you meet all ongoing compliance requirements, such as license renewals and annual audits.

Registering a Company in Dubai Mainland

Registering and setting up a company in Dubai mainland offers numerous advantages for businesses looking to establish themselves in this region. While the process may appear complex at first, breaking it into manageable steps makes the task more achievable; by carefully following each step and seeking professional guidance from NH Management will help you when necessary, you can successfully establish your mainland company here. We help investors in setting up companies within the UAE region.

NH Management delivers high-quality consulting services in the UAE. We help businesses with company incorporation and performance enhancement. Our experienced team values honesty, transparency, and diversity, driving innovation and excellence through customized solutions for various clients across various industries. To book a discovery call with expert business setup consultants, contact info@nhmanagement.com or +971 4 222 1327.